The Super 73 Problem in Marin County

Dear Parents,

We’re reaching out with an urgent message about a fast-growing danger affecting our community’s youth — one that too many parents are unaware of until it’s too late.

The Rise of Super 73 and the E-Moto Crisis

Across the Bay Area, injury rates among children riding high-powered electric bikes and motorcycles have surged to unprecedented levels. In Marin County, crash rates among 10- to 15-year-olds on electric mobility devices are more than 500% higher than those of any other age group. Source: Marin County Bicycle Safety Website

The leading device behind these injuries? The Super 73 — a throttle-powered electric vehicle that requires no pedaling and can reach speeds of up to 35 mph. According to both Safe Routes to School surveys and manufacturer data, Super 73s are overwhelmingly the top choice among middle school riders.

What makes this so dangerous is that these vehicles are not actually legal e-bikes. They are mislabeled motorcycles. Read the Lawsuit Filed in Marin County Superior Court against Super 73 on February 10, 2025 (PDF)

By law, a Class 2 electric bicycle must have a motor that cannot assist beyond 20 mph. But Super73 advertises on its own website and app that speeds of 28 to 35 mph can be unlocked — no license, no registration, no insurance, and no helmet enforcement required.  And right here in the San Ramon Valley, the danger is growing fast. At Stone Valley Middle School - 70 Super73-style electric motorcycles — often called “e-motos” — were recently counted during a single morning check.

What Is a Super 73?

The company describes itself as a lifestyle brand that blends motorcycle culture with youth appeal. Its products are sold in nearly 100 California locations and aggressively marketed to teens and families. While they include pedals to technically meet e-bike labeling, these are throttle-operated motor vehicles in practice.

The company openly promotes that “you don’t have to pedal” — just press the throttle and go. Independent tests confirm that many models reach 35 mph in under 15 seconds.

So why are they sold as e-bikes? Because the label avoids the legal requirements applied to mopeds and motorcycles — including age restrictions, licenses, and proper safety equipment. And that loophole is putting kids at serious risk.

Even the Bicycle Industry Is Sounding the Alarm

The leading e-bike trade group, PeopleForBikes — the very organization that helped create California’s three-tier classification system — warns that many of these devices are being deliberately misclassified:

“These products are often advertised misleadingly and sold to the public as ‘e-bikes’... but are not legal electric bicycles. They represent a threat.”
– PeopleForBikes statement to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2023 Source: People for Bikes Presentation 

Even industry publications like Bicycle Retailer have called out the trend:

“What many families are buying are noncompliant motor-driven cycles... capable of 25 to 35+ mph, all throttle-controlled, mostly from Chinese distributors and white-label brands.” Source: Bicycle Retailer Magazine, May 2022

Time Is Running Out

Like many areas across California, Marin County is facing a public safety crisis driven by powerful, mislabeled electric motorcycles marketed directly to children. These vehicles are being used on sidewalks, in school zones, and along popular family trails — often by riders as young as 11.

Parents, we urge you: Please do not purchase these devices for children under 16 years old.

Until stronger laws are enforced and clear regulations are in place, the only barrier between your child and a life-changing injury may be your decision today.

Let’s work together to protect our kids — before tragedy strikes.

Sincerely,
E-bike Safety Advocates - Marin